“Zane, I know you want this shit to be over, but we can’t rush things,” Enzo says.
I look between both of them, settling my angry gaze on Brooks. “Maybe you can shed some light on something that’s been bothering me since the night Harper was shot.” He doesn’t say anything, just leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Why would Kingsley tell Harper that Shattered Souls stole his daughter and his drugs?”
The room is no longer silent. Everyone is throwing out questions or cursing. Brooks runs his hands through his hair, turning to look at me with pure hatred in his eyes. I widen my eyes and lean forward toward him.
“How the fuck would I know?” he yells out.
“Why would he even think something like that?” Riley asks.
I nod my head in agreement, turning back to Brooks. “I have no idea,” he shouts.
“Brooks, if there is anything that we should know, now is the time to tell us. If you made a fucked-up move, away from this table, we need to know now,” I say.
My voice is trained and calm, which is the exact opposite to how I feel. Rage is flowing through my veins at the idea of him betraying this club. But, still a part of me wants to believe him. As my father’s brother, it’s agony to believe his loyalty would waiver.
“I would never do anything without a goddamn vote from this club. Don’t ever accuse me of something like that again,” he hisses.
“I’m not accusing, I’m asking,” I growl.
“If you have a problem with the way I do shit, you can fucking leave.”
I smirk and lean closer to him. “What’s wrong, uncle, have I hit a nerve?”
He jumps over the table and grabs a hold of me. It catches me so off guard, he gets a hit in before I have a chance to stop it. It’s the only one he gets though, because the anger that’s been burning inside, unleashes. I push him off me, my fist connecting with his jaw. Before he has time to react, my other fist lands on his ribs. The satisfaction I get when he grunts in pain makes me grin.
“Fucking hell, enough,” Enzo yells.
Kace grabs me as Enzo grabs Brooks. “You’re fucking lying,” I whisper.
“Fuck you,” he growls.
“What the fuck is going on?” Enzo asks. “Brooks, sit the fuck down and talk. Zane, keep your damn mouth shut.”
We’re both breathing heavily. His face is red with anger and I lean back in my chair and cross my arms. Fuck him.
“I’m tired of this shit between you two. You’re family, blood related family. The bullshit needs to end now. Brooks, go first,” Enzo yells.
His hands are fisted on the table and the anger is vibrating off of him. “Zane has been off the fucking handles since Harper got back. His head isn’t in this club, it’s on her. I’ve had enough.”
I got to grab him again, but Kace pulls me back. “Chill the fuck out,” he whispers.
I adjust my shirt and place my hands on the table. “This club is my life, every bit as much as Harper is. I asked you for her acceptance, which you all agreed to. Everything that has happened has been a direct attack on her and me. I’m not denying that. But it sure as hell doesn’t make me any less a member of this club. It does, however, make me seriously question shit. It makes me see things more clearly. It makes me want to protect her as much as protect this club.” I light a cigarette, turning my attention directly on Brooks. “Answer my questions and don’t give me the bullshit that we sit and wait until the time is right. The time to act is now.”
Riley looks from Brooks to me and back again. Porter is running his hand through his beard. Alex is whispering to Kace and they both look at me. Enzo is the only one who doesn’t look like he’s ready to explode. He’s levelheaded, even in this moment.
“The time to act is when there is something to act on. Stop pretending it is more than that,” Brooks growls.
I stand up and when Kace jumps up, I hold up my hands. “I’m not gonna do anything.” I walk over to the door and lean against it, crossing my arms. I’m beyond furious at this point. He’s giving bullshit lines. “Why would Kingsley say that about his drugs?”
“I already said I have no idea,” Brooks booms.
“Maybe we need to do some digging around because that shit makes no sense. First, he starts a strip club and now he’s accusing us of stealing his drugs. Could he be setting us up for some kind of ambush?” Riley questions.
I tilt my head, thinking. It makes sense, but I still feel like Brooks is involved. If he wants to play stupid, I’ll play stupid too. One of us will end up folding and it sure as fuck won’t be me. “Makes sense, brother. What do you think, Prez?” I spit out.
He leans back in his chair and shrugs. “Could be.”
“We need to get someone from his crew to talk,” Kace says.
“Yes, the only way to get answers is to get it from them,” Enzo says. “Dom would be our best bet.”
“Fuck.Yes,” I say, finally moving from the door. “Kingsley might be hiding in the shadows, but someone has to be doing his dirty work.”
“He could be with Kingsley,” Porter says.
“He was shot and needed to recover. No way would Kingsley want that slowing him down. Someone needs to be in charge, it’s got to be Dom,” Enzo says.
“I agree. We need to focus our attention on getting Dom. He’ll give us all the answers we want.” I look at Brooks, who hasn’t said a fucking word, before turning back to the rest of the club. “We take down anyone who gets in our way. If that means we grab Marco or Thomas first, fuck it. We’ll get someone to tell us where Dom is.”
Everyone turns to look at Brooks. We need his approval to move forward, although he looks just as pissed as when I punched him.
“What do you say, Brooks?” Enzo asks.
“Do it,” he says, getting up. “I need to get home.”
He doesn’t wait when we call after him and I scrub my face. “This is the shit I’m talking about. He’s always running off.”
“Riley, Alex, and Porter, I want you guys sitting on Club Kingsley. I want one of those assholes as soon as possible,” Enzo instructs. “Z, Kace, and I will check Dom’s house and Kingsley’s house. See if we can find anything. Keep in contact and stay safe. Let’s get this shit figured out.”
I’ve planted the seed of doubt. They are all questioning shit as much as I am now. I should feel guilty, but I don’t. The only way this fucking war is going to end is to find the truth and kill the threat.
10
Harper
It’s been two days since I’ve seen Zane. They’ve got club business to take care of. That’s what I was told by Finn, on more than one occasion. I called Zane once, but he told me he’d be home when he could. So, I’ve been going crazy thinking of all the possibilities of what could be going on. I’m grateful for Ivy, because she keeps me distracted. I think it’s more so to keep herself from thinking about Kace, but I’ll take it.
“Finn, come inside and eat dinner with us,” I say, leaning against the front door frame.
He looks at me briefly before turning back to staring ahead. “No thanks.”
“You know it’s not just the front of the house someone could get in. If you were inside, you’d be more likely to catch someone trying to get in a locked door,” I say.
He lets out a sigh and shoves his hands in his pockets. “I’ll be in soon.”
I close the door and go back into the kitchen. Ivy is dishing out the spaghetti and meatballs she made. “Well?”
“Nope, he still won’t come in. He’s trying to prove a point to Z,” I say.
We sit down at the table and begin to eat. “What’s he trying to prove?”
I put down my fork, grabbing my napkin to wipe my mouth. “That he can be a valued member of Shattered Souls.”
She rolls her eyes and continues to eat. Sometimes I think she wants to be a part of this world and other times I think she’s ready to run. She’s complicated and I understand that better than anyone, but sometimes it’s too much.
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br /> “What’s our plans for tonight?” she asks, changing the subject.
“Getting drunk?” I suggest.
She sips her wine and smiles. “Perfect.” We finish off our food in complete silence. The only sound is our forks scraping against the plates. I’m just about to tell her how good it was, but she talks first. “Do you ever get to go on a date?”
I smile at her question. “Of course.”
“Have you and Zane ever been on a date?” she asks, lifting an eyebrow.
I laugh as I get up, clearing the plates off the table. “Maybe not what you would consider a date, but yes. We’ve had our time with just the two of us out of this house and away from the club.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. But I’ve told you before, you can’t compare any other relationship to me and Zane. There’s a war going on because of our love,” I explain.
I’ve tried to tell her this numerous times, but she just doesn’t seem to grasp it. There’s nothing I can do to help her with Kace. That’s between them and neither of them are talking to the other. Both of them are idiots who are letting fear get in the way. Not saying I don’t understand that, but what they fear is completely different than what I fear. Death isn’t going to happen if they decided to get together. It’s a real possibility with me and Zane, though.
The front door opens, pulling me from my thoughts. I look just in time to see Finn locking it behind him. Ivy makes him a plate of food and he sits down at the table.
“Do you want a beer?” Ivy asks.
“No, but thanks for the food. I don’t get many home cooked meals,” he says.
“Why?” she questions.
He swallows the food in his mouth before looking up at us. It’s none of our business, but I’ll admit I’m curious to know what Finn’s story is.
“I grew up with no dad around and a drug addict mom. I’ve been taking care of myself as far back as I remember. There was no one making homemade meals or even teaching me how to do it,” he says, with a shrug.
Ivy looks at me, but I keep my focus on Finn. He’s a good-looking guy. His dark hair is the perfect contrast to his green eyes. He’s got a young, innocent look to his face, but his solid, muscular body, covered in tattoos, says differently. He looks like a badass with a soft side. I don’t know Finn well, but as a woman, I’d say he has no problem getting someone in bed. I shake my thoughts and ask, “How’d you get hooked up with the club?”
He laughs and it’s nice to see. He’s always so serious, trying to prove himself. “There was this guy that used to drive past our trailer. I have no idea who he was, but he was definitely a Shattered Soul.” He guzzles down his water and we wait for him to continue. “I loved watching that Harley go by. I would hear it and run outside, just to see him. He was like this powerful, strong, in charge guy. Something I didn’t have the presence of. Anyway, one day I heard the bike and ran outside. Normally, he just drove past, and I never saw where he went. This time though, he went to the trailer a few down from mine. I stood there in complete amazement as he went inside and two seconds later was dragging out the guy who lived there. I didn’t see him kill the guy, but I watched him beat the shit out of him, before pulling him into the wooded area close by. I heard the gunshot, watched him walk out alone, and drive away. I found out a few days later that the guy he killed had raped some young woman. He became a hero to me, and I knew I wanted to be like him. So, when I was old enough, I found the Shattered Souls and waited until I was old enough to become a prospect.”
Both Ivy and I wipe our tears. Damn, what an emotional story. “Did you ever tell the club?”
“No,” he whispers.
“You should. They’d be able to tell you who that guy was. It’s an amazing story, Finn,” I say in awe.
He finishes off his dinner and stands up. “We’ll see,” he says, bringing his plate to the kitchen. “I’m gonna stay in the kitchen, that way I can see the back door and hear the front door.”
I want to argue with him. Tell him that he should relax a little, but I won’t. That story was so personal to him, but he shared it with us. I realize now why it’s so important to prove himself, so he gets patched in.
“Alright, Ivy, pour us a shot.”
It’s two in the morning and I hear Zane come in. Relief floods me, but at the same time, I start to feel angry. It’s unreasonable, I know he’s taking care of club business. It just feels like I’m taking a backseat right now. It’s selfish, I realize that, but I can’t help it. He opens the door and turns on the closet light. He obviously thinks I’m sleeping, so he’s trying to be quiet.
“Hey,” I whisper.
He spins around, the light of the closet behind him makes his front almost completely dark. “Christ, you scared me. I didn’t mean to wake you, babe.” He holds onto the frame of the closet and he must be looking at me, although I can’t actually tell.
“You didn’t, I was up.” I lean over and turn on the lamp on the nightstand.
He pushes off the frame and comes to sit on the edge of the bed. “You feeling alright?”
“I feel fine. Just missing you,” I say, reaching my hand out to touch his.
“Sorry Harper, I just -”
“Have club business, I know Zane,” I say, cutting him off.
He turns to face me, one leg curled on the bed, the other planted on the floor. “You’re pissed?”
It’s not really a question, he can obviously tell I am from my tone alone. He moves closer, shaking his head. His eyes are dark and dangerous, causing a chill to run through me. Shit.
“You think I’d rather be out there dealing with the shit I am? I have no choice. Everything I’m doing is for you, to protect you. If you can’t fucking accept that, we’ve got a serious problem,” he growls.
I close my eyes briefly and when I open them, I can see the pain in his eyes. He’s dealing with so much more than I know and I’m adding to that. I need to take some time and find the old Harper. The one whose scars were only on the inside, so hiding the rest was easier. I can’t let a weaker version of myself be the outcome of all of this. I need him, more than the air in my lungs, but he needs me, too. He needs me to be strong and supportive. To know that he isn’t in this alone.
I get on my knees and wrap my arms around his neck, kissing his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Z. It’s selfish of me to be pissed because I’m missing you. I know you have a lot going on, and I’m right here with you, baby. I will always be right beside you,” I whisper.
He wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly to him. “You have no idea what I’m dealing with and it’s better that way, but it’s fucked up shit. I need time to find the answers to all these questions,” he says with a sigh.
“Go take a shower and come to bed. You need sleep and a fresh start. You’ll find the answers, baby.”
He kisses my cheek and goes to shower. I lay there wondering what else could possibly be going on. Between my father, the notes, and club member’s homes being broken into, what the hell else could be piled on top? I know he can’t tell me, but maybe he can say just enough.
I look up at the ceiling and without thought, my finger traces the scar down my chest through my shirt. It’s ugly and I still hate looking at it. I try to remember all the things Zane has said about it being a symbol of our love, but it’s hard to see that. It’s why I won’t wear anything that allows it to be seen. I don’t want the sympathetic eyes from everyone staring, and I don’t want the anger I feel when I see it. Keeping it hidden behind my shirts makes things easier. I’m used to hiding my scars, why should this be any different?
I hear Zane walk out of the bathroom and I immediately drop my hand. I don’t want him asking about it. The door opens and he comes in with boxers on, wet hair, and a grin.
“I can’t believe you’re still awake,” he says, climbing into bed.
I move to lay my head on his chest, and he wraps his strong arms around me. “I’m not tired.”
He kisses
the top of my head and sighs. “I’m exhausted, but not sure I’ll get much sleep. Kace and I need to be out of here pretty early.”
I rest my chin on his chest and look at him. His features are so soft right now, but there is so much tension by his eyes. I reach up and run my fingers down his rough cheek. “I know you can’t tell me about club business, but what can you tell me?”
“Still no sign of your father, still no idea about the notes, still no leads on why your club…” I narrow my eyes and he corrects himself. “Sorry, your father’s club, threatened our innocents. Nothing adds up and there are more questions than answers.”
I’m not sure how to help when it’s the same problems we’ve been facing. It does make me nervous that my father can’t be found. He’s never hidden before and that makes me think he’s got something horrible planned. There is nothing he won’t do to get his revenge. And I’m certain killing Zane or me, I don’t think he even cares which one anymore, would be the best revenge he could seek. It ensures that Zane or I suffer the loss forever.
“Do you want to run some of your ideas by me? Maybe I can put them in prospective,” I offer.
He runs his fingers through my hair, causing a different chill from when he first got home. It feels so good, so relaxing. “Why do you think your father sent the notes?”
“Because logically, who else could it be? He may not have personally placed them or destroyed my house or my mom’s pictures, but it’s the kind of power he likes to have. To be the one feared, the one in charge, the feel of power. Why?” I’m certain he’s behind the notes. There’s no one else that would be so vicious and cruel.
“What you’re saying makes sense, maybe I’m just overthinking shit,” he says.
“Break it down for me, Z,” I push.
Redemption (Shattered Souls MC Book 2) Page 7
